FROM TEMBISA TO SOWETO – KAMOGELO SEBELEBELE LIVING HIS BOYHOOD DREAM
There’s something magical about a hometown hero rising through the ranks to join his childhood club and for Tembisa’s own Kamogelo Sebelebele, that dream has now become a reality.
The 22-year-old winger, who proudly matriculated at Jiyane Secondary School in Tembisa, is the latest addition to the Orlando Pirates Football Club, where he will wear the number 36 jersey for the 2025/26 season. For a boy who grew up idolising the Buccaneers and cheering from the dusty streets of Ekurhuleni, this is not just a transfer, it’s the fulfilment of a dream written in black and white.
Sebelebele’s journey began in the vibrant football culture of Tembisa, where his potential shone brightly from an early age.
His dazzling pace, sharp footwork, and unmatched hunger saw him catch the eye of scouts, eventually earning him a spot in TS Galaxy’s DStv Diski Challenge side in 2022. By the 2024/25 campaign, he had become a standout performer in the PSL, scoring 5 goals in 29 appearances and leading the Rockets to a top-eight finish all while showing his flexibility by excelling at right back and left back.
His stellar performances did not go unnoticed. He was called up to represent South Africa in the COSAFA Cup, where he made it into the Team of the Tournament, further cementing his growing reputation.
Now, Kamogelo joins his “homeboy” Patrick “Tito” Maswanganyi, also from Thembisa, in the Pirates’ locker room. The two bring not only flair and firepower to the field but also a strong sense of township pride — a reminder that Thembisa continues to produce stars who shine on the biggest stages.
“I’m so grateful to be here,” Sebelebele told orlandopiratesfc.com in his first interview since joining the Soweto giants.
“This club has always been in my heart. Growing up, I watched them, supported them and now I get to play for them. It’s a blessing.”
While he missed out on the pre-season tour to Marbella, Spain, Sebelebele has been hard at work back home in Johannesburg, adjusting to life at the Sea Robbers.
Today, Saturday 09 August 2025, Kamogelo could make his long-awaited debut against Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium in Pirates’ first PSL match of the season. Kick-off is at 17:30, and the winger is eager to show the Bucs faithful what he can do.
“Every game is tough,” he said. “But when you wear this badge, there’s no excuse. We play to win. Especially at home.”
Off the field, the young winger is a movie lover, using downtime to recharge and stay mentally sharp. But make no mistake — when the whistle blows, it’s all business. He’s focused on helping the Buccaneers win silverware, including the PSL title and a potential run in the CAF Champions League.
From schoolboy hero in Thembisa to a rising star under the Orlando Stadium lights, Kamogelo Sebelebele represents everything good about South African football: talent, determination, and the belief that no dream is too big.
Welcome home, Kamogelo. The township is behind you. The stadium awaits.
